Cumilla’s politics has long been dominated by personalities with strong local influence, especially in the city corporation area. This trend, dating back to the municipality era, makes the Comilla-6 (Sadar) parliamentary seat particularly significant. Considering this, BNP’s high command has carefully evaluated multiple factors in selecting the party’s candidate, while also assessing the constituency’s future political dynamics.
According to local BNP sources, former mayor Monirul Haque Sakku remains a major political factor in Comilla-6. He is the cousin of the late five-time MP and minister Lt. Colonel Akbar Hossain. Even during the previous authoritarian government, the ruling Awami League struggled against Sakku in Comilla city corporation elections. In fact, in the last city polls, his victory was narrowly taken away despite his popularity, with observers acknowledging him as a “popular public leader.”
Since then, local and national elections often revolve around Sakku’s presence. However, his repeated suspensions from the party have become a hurdle. Prior to the 2022 city corporation election, he was suspended for the second time, prompting the BNP leadership to search for alternatives.
In this context, veteran Cumilla politician and BNP advisory council member Bir Muktijoddha Monirul Haque Chowdhury emerged as a viable alternative. Sakku, meanwhile, announced his intention to contest independently, signaling that he might support Chowdhury to secure his own political influence. This ultimately paved the way for Chowdhury to receive party endorsement. BNP leaders also believe this move could affect the party’s organizational structure and future leadership trajectory in the district.
The party considered individual vote bases. Sakku remains strong in personal support, making it risky for the party to field a candidate against him. Yet, Chowdhury also commands a significant personal vote in the newly merged Sadar South Upazila, where he has served as MP and whip.
Meanwhile, another aspirant, BNP advisory council member Aminur Rashid Yasin, also hails from Sadar South. He has long been a rival of Chowdhury, tracing back to post-2005 politics following Akbar Hossain’s death. After contesting under a caretaker government, Yasin won the first post-caretaker election, although BNP could not retain the seat in 2008. Subsequent factional rivalries emerged between Awami League-backed candidates, further entrenching the intra-party rivalries within BNP in the district.
Yasin, a successful industrialist, has been staging protests and demonstrations after being denied the party nomination. These included student mobilizations, marches, and press conferences involving family members of past BNP activists who faced alleged harassment during the Awami League tenure. Student groups even rallied under the banner of “Z-3500” outside Cumilla Zilla School.
Sources indicate that Yasin, formerly district BNP general secretary and convener, faced criticism within the party for organizational lapses and limited participation in anti-government movements. On August 5, 2024, he was removed from his party post and appointed as an advisory council member. Rivalries between Yasin and Sakku further intensified after accusations involving Sakku’s family during city corporation polls.
Monirul Haque Chowdhury, BNP’s official nominee, said, “I will meet with Yasin and all others, and I hope to secure the full support of BNP grassroots leaders to achieve victory for the Peddy Sheaf symbol. My goal is to deliver a renewed Cumilla and work unitedly with all.”
Sakku commented, “I have been active in BNP politics for 47 years, serving in key roles. My family has long contributed to BNP’s establishment in Cumilla. Though suspended for mayoral elections, I have continued to support party activities and hope the suspension will be lifted. I am ready to strengthen Tareq Zia’s position by supporting Chowdhury’s victory.”
Meanwhile, Yasin told reporters that he has instructed his supporters to remain calm, emphasizing that Chowdhury’s nomination is preliminary.
Shah Md. Selim, a founding organizer of Comilla BNP, stated, “Political decisions should follow transparency and merit. Chowdhury has been duly evaluated this time. A structured approach like this will help Cumilla BNP regain its past prominence.”
Comilla Division co-organizing secretary Mostak Mia added, “Though I was a potential candidate, the Peddy Sheaf symbol carries utmost importance. The endorsed candidate is the party’s collective choice.”
Cumilla South district BNP general secretary Ashiqur Rahman Mahmud Wasim echoed, “The party’s decision is final. Multiple aspirants in a large party is natural, but the nomination reflects collective will. Party loyalty guides our actions.”
Cumilla city BNP general secretary Udbatul Bari Abu said, “The candidate chosen for the Peddy Sheaf symbol is our nominee. It is our responsibility to secure their victory collectively.”
Despite these assurances, local citizens and BNP grassroots workers fear that the intra-party three-way rivalry among Monirul Haque Chowdhury, former mayor Monirul Haque Sakku, and ex-MP Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin could create an opening for Jamaat’s candidate to capitalize on divisions. While Yasin’s supporters await further party guidance, Chowdhury’s first planned election rally on November 18 at the Town Hall field was disrupted due to these factional conflicts. He later addressed his supporters at Kandirpar, Purbali Chattar, emphasizing unity and party solidarity in the upcoming polls.
